Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/504504
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Afewyears ago, my brother asked my husband and me if we would be willing to take in his daughter, as she was goi ng t hrou gh a dif- ficult time and needed to leave her hometown. We were delighted to have our niece live with us. She was never charged for rent or food. She is family and we were very happy to help. One evening over dinner, my niece and I were having a conversation about the church that my brother and his wife attend. I mentioned that I do not care for this church, as I think it controls too much of their life. They have quit coming to family din- ners and holidays due to their church activities and they have downgraded their home so they could give more to the church. My brother has taken such offense to the com- ment that I made, which is MY OPINION, that he will not have anything to do with me. He says that he will not talk to me again until I apologize. I feel I should be able to have a conversation in my home and have a right to my opinion. Do you have any suggestions? —Estranged DEAR ESTRANGED » You aren't prepared to apologize for your point of view, so the only thing you can honestly be sorry about is having offended your brother. Affirm his feelings: "I'm sorry you are so offended. I was having a private conversa- tion and regret that it was repeated. It was never my intention to hurt you. I'd like to move on and hope you are able to, as well." DEAR AMY » Each year I send my grandchildren a birthday card with a check in it and also Val- entine's Day cards with cash. We attend their family birthday parties, but there is never an acknowledg- ment of the gifts. The children are in grade school, so they surely can use a phone. We live a fair distance away, but I attend their concerts and games. They even spend a week at my house during the summer while their parents are on vacation. I keep them occupied with various activities and I know they enjoy time with us. Any time they arrive at my house I greet them with a hug. It just seems like they cannot say thank you! How can I explain my disappointment to them (and my son, who is their dad), or should I let it go? — Hurt Grandma DEAR HURT » I'm not sure checks and cash are the kinds of gifts that grade school children prize. Books, art supplies, toys and games seem more "real" to youngsters. Regardless of the gift, however, you should be thanked. It is very easy for parents to coach children to express simple gratitude and apprecia- tion. One way to do this is for a parent to shoot a short video of a child saying thank you and blowing you a kiss — and sending the video along to you. Or your son could simply put the kids on the phone. Brother wants apology after being offended by his sister You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribune.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Taurus(April20-May20) — Improving your financial position should be a priority. Be proactive. Formulate a realistic budget, call in debts and pay off high-interest loans. Selling unwanted or unused items will help tide you over. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't be too free with your personal information. You will end up in a vulnerable position if your confidante has trouble keeping your secrets. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — It's up to you to make changes if you are dissatisfied with your position. Personal and profes- sional partnerships will suffer if you don't shake things up. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Keep a close watch on your cash. Overspending will be your downfall. You won't have any luck sticking to a schedule, so lighten up and have some inex- pensive fun. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Don't give in to peer pressure. Deception is imminent. Follow your heart and be firm if some- one tries to take advantage of you. Take control instead of following orders. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Bide your time and do whatever it takes to get into fighting trim. A spontaneous trip to an out-of-the-way location will give you the inspiration you are looking for. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Let your creativity flow freely. Put your workplace worries on the back burner and make a point to surround yourself with people who share your passion. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Be prepared to experi- ence a power struggle. You are best off keeping your opinions under wraps for now. Look for an activity that will keep you out of trouble. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You will experience a revelation regarding a project. Continue to fine-tune your plan until you feel that you are ready to make a presentation. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Some people will judge you harshly if your motives aren't clearly understood. You will help a worthy cause if you offer your time and services. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Don't try to get away with something that you know is wrong. Exaggerating or embel- lishing your credentials will lead to disaster. Be upfront and avoid embarrassment. Aries (March 21-April 19) — This is a great time to further your education or learn on the job. A position you are eyeing is attainable if you update your resume. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, APRIL 30 THURSDAY,APRIL30,2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B